Get to Know Amy Sanders
Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare
Amy Sanders was surrounded by seniors and those who love them at a very young age. Little did she know at the time, but these relationships resulted in a life-long affinity for working with seniors. In fact, Amy has spent over two decades working in the senior living sector. She is now bringing her talents to CJL and we are all thrilled to have her on board.
Born in Virginia just outside of D.C., her parents moved the family to New England when Amy was just a child. She quickly became enamored with the area and all it has to offer, especially the joys of outdoor life.
“My love for exploring the coastline and mountains has grown over the years,” explained Amy. “On weekends, I can be found walking my dog, Mabel, hiking in Vermont, or paddle boarding on Walden Pond, among other outdoor activities. When I am not outside, I enjoy painting, mostly nature scenes on large canvases.”
Amy comes from a large extended family. She was always close to her grandmother, spending half of each summer with her in Virginia throughout her childhood. Throughout those summers she visited with her great-grandmother nearly every day. She had suffered a stroke a few years earlier and she filled Amy’s visits with descriptive stories about her childhood. “Those summers account for some of my fondest childhood memories,” recalled Amy. “
As a teenager, Amy volunteered with Pets on Wheels and visited assisted living communities with her poodle, Chach. “It was a rewarding experience that combined my love of animals with my desire to work with older people,” said Amy. It was also a fitting introduction to life in an assisted living.
When asked about the last two years and the repercussions of the pandemic, Amy acknowledged that it has been challenging both professionally and personally. “It’s been a difficult time for so many of us who care for seniors and other vulnerable populations,” she said thoughtfully. “There were so many complex situations to navigate when the pandemic started in March 2020. On a personal note, my father had cancer and the COVID restrictions drastically changed our visits. I experienced firsthand what many families of residents were feeling in being unable to experience visits and hugs. Eventually my father began to adjust to frequent FaceTime chats, but it was a difficult transition.”
Looking forward, Amy is excited about joining the CJL organization. “Today, I feel so fortunate to work in the assisted living communities that are part of the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare family,” said Sanders. “I truly enjoy bringing together like-minded people who are kind and support seniors so they can maintain their independence. For me, this organization is the perfect fit!”
